A framework to explore and transform client-generated metaphors in applied sport psychology

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Abstract

Metaphors are pervasive in everyday language, thoughts and actions (Lakoff &
Johnson, 1980). The field of sport psychology, and more explicitly practitioner client
dialogue, remain exposed to such communication. Despite the prevalence
of metaphor in our daily interactions, metaphorical discourse is often ignored, or
unknowingly used in therapeutic settings (Jinks, 2006). However, noticing a client’s
use of metaphor may provide an opportunity to work within the athlete’s metaphorical
landscape (i.e., the sum total of their symbolic perceptions, Lawley & Tomkins,
2000) to facilitate therapeutic change (Kopp, 1995). Based upon established mainstream
approaches, the present article proposes a composite framework for working
with client generated metaphors in sport psychology practice (cf. Kopp, 1995;
Lawley & Tomkins, 2000; Sims, 2003). The framework is contextualized through
an exploration of case examples derived from the authors’ experiences of working
within the metaphorical landscape of a series of clients. The article concludes
with various implications for the work and training of applied sport psychologists.

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